Funding Radar UK
Back to directory
Innovation Funding
Verified source: UKRI Funding FinderLast verified 2 Jun 2026

ESRC responsive mode: research grants round two

This opportunity funds researcher-driven basic, applied, and strategic research from any disciplines and on any topics in ESRC’s remit, with a focus on social sciences.

Key facts

Funding amount
£350,000 - £1,000,000
Deadline
Rolling – no fixed deadline
Region
UK-wide
Business type
Universities & research bodies
Apply on official site

Plain English summary

This ESRC grant is for research projects in social sciences, covering basic, applied, and strategic research. It accepts proposals from all disciplines as long as social sciences form over 50% of the research. While there are no specific thematic priorities, there is a highlight notice encouraging applications in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for social science. The funding ranges from £350,000 to £1 million, with ESRC funding 80% of the full economic cost.

Never miss similar funding opportunities

Get a free weekly email containing newly added grants and funding opportunities relevant to UK businesses.

Who this is best for

  • Universities & research bodies
  • Organisations based in UK-wide
  • Projects aligned with innovation funding
  • Teams seeking funding around £350,000 - £1,000,000

Who should not apply

  • Individuals applying in a personal capacity (unless explicitly permitted)
  • Commercial-only projects without a research partner
  • Applicants who cannot meet the official eligibility criteria below

Eligibility checklist

Tick what applies to your organisation before applying.

Official source

Funding body
UKRI Funding Finder
Last verified
2 Jun 2026

Want funding opportunities like this delivered automatically?

Join Funding Radar UK's free weekly funding digest — built for UK small businesses, startups and SMEs.